The funeral of late Welwyn Hatfield mayor Lynne Sparks is set to take place in Hatfield this month.

The funeral will take place on Saturday, March 17, at St Etheldreda’s Church, Old Hatfield (adjacent to Hatfield House) starting at 10.30am.

This will be following by light refreshments at Onslow St Audrey’s School, where people can chat and share memories of Lynne.

The family will also have a book of condolence at the school, in which they encourage people to share their thoughts and memories of Lynne.

The hall will be open until 2pm, however Lynne’s family will withdraw at 1.15pm to attend a private cremation.

In a message to his late wife’s friends, Ian Sparks said: “It’s important to us that Lynne’s life, values and achievements are celebrated.

“Please wear whatever you are comfortable wearing.

“We would ask that, instead of flowers, if you would like to do so, please consider making a small donation to the Mayor’s Charity Appeal either on the day or through the Mayor’s Office.

“This will then be distributed to the causes and initiatives that Lynne had already identified, including Hatfield Night Shelter.

“It is our intention, on a date yet to be decided but probably in May or June, that we will hold a memorial celebration of Lynne’s life with music, food, story telling, love and laughter; all the things Lynne loves!

“We will announce the date and venue in the near future and would love for this to be another shared community experience that Lynne has been so good at organising in the past.

“We would love you to be there.”

Ian added: “Lynne’s last day was spent at Isabel Hospice.

“As a family we have been so deeply moved by the love, care, compassion and dignity shown to our family that day and since that we intend to embark on fundraising activities to support Isabel Hospice separately.

“Personally I don’t think I’ll ever be able to properly express what Isabel Hospice means to me now and I am so thankful for them, not just for us but for everyone whom they have supported and will support in the future.”